Things to do in Shikabe

Activities, attractions and tours


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Top places to visit

1. Hakodate Morning Market

A visit to the Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is a morning ritual for many locals. Join the crowds of vendors and shoppers that flock to this buzzing marketplace each morning to begin the day with a vast array of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Stroll through the inner-city marketplace and experience a treat for the senses as you peruse colorful displays of ripe produce. Pick up made-to-order breakfasts and traditional Hakodate dishes that feature the city’s magnificent local seafood.
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A variety of seafood, including red and brown crab legs, displayed on ice at a market.

2. Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku is an enormous star-shaped citadel built over 150 years ago as a defensive fortress for Hakodate’s government offices. After a brief period of wartime turmoil and imperial threat, the fort was transformed into a stunning public park, distinctive for its elegant architecture, magnificent cherry blossom trees, curving moat and pleasant grassy lawns. Stroll on the promenades along the moat, visit the site’s museum and enjoy the scenic park area and historic architecture.
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A traditional Japanese building with a snow-covered roof and wooden architecture.

3. Goryokaku Tower

Appreciate captivating views of Goryokaku Fort and its surrounding park and the Hakodate city skyline from Goryokaku Tower, a tall observation tower next to the city’s famous fortress. Visit this impressive sightseeing structure and admire its modern design. Enjoy fantastic views across the city to outlying mountain ranges and coastlines.
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A snow-covered park with a central pond, surrounded by buildings and mountains in the background.

4. Mount Hakodate

Mount Hakodate (Hakodateyama) crowns the southern end of Hakodate’s city center and peninsula area. Reach the top of the densely wooded mountain to experience unbeatable views of the cityscape and surrounding coastline. The 1,096-foot- (334-meter-) tall mountain offers a panoramic vista of Hakodate’s sprawling urban center, which is quite breathtaking at night. Visit the mountain just after sunset to see night falling over the city and a sea of twinkling city lights.
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A coastal cityscape at dusk with illuminated streets and buildings, a snow-covered landscape, and mountains in the background.

5. Hakodate Ropeway

There’s no better place for a view of Hakodate’s spit, jutting out into the sea, than from the top of the Hakodate Ropeway. Japan’s most popular gondola, ferrying more than 1,000,000 passengers annually to the top of Mount Hakodate, is popular for good reason. At night the glittering lights of the city fading down below offer a bewitching contrast with the still darkness of the nearby ocean. Stay strategically near some of the large windows of the gondola to watch as people, cars and buildings slowly appear smaller and smaller as you near the peak.
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A coastal cityscape with dense urban development, a marina, and a forested hill in the foreground.

What to do in Shikabe


Stay near popular Shikabe attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Shikabe worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Shikabe.
How do I spend a day in Shikabe?
After you've visited key attractions like Mount Io and Onuma Quasi-National Park, spend some time discovering Shikabe's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shikabe?
The top tourist attraction in Shikabe is Onuma Quasi-National Park, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Shikabe?
Book an escape in Shikabe for three days and you'll comfortably be able to discover its most popular sights and experience the local way of life. For the chance to see attractions in nearby areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider sticking around for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Shikabe with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Shikabe with kids.

What to do in Shikabe for adults?
Friendly Bear is one of the top things to do in Shikabe. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Shikabe?
In Shikabe, Mt. Komagatake is a popular spot for anyone planning to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Shikabe.